Gratitude: Day #11

Today is Veterans Day here in the ol' U.S. of A.--and beyond. Therefore, it seems apropos to express gratitude for our military. I've had a complicated relationship with the military. Inside my heart, I want peace and kindness. When I was younger, I struggled to balance military action with a Christian desire for peace. How can we ever justify war? I'll tell you how. Peace doesn't mean we're sitting on rocking chairs watching grass grow. Peace is active and needs to be defended and fought for. I think I will use a few cliches here. Freedom isn't free. We're the home of the free because of the brave. I have come to an understanding and deep appreciation of the importance of military. The sacrifice of the men and women in uniform is tremendous. Their families also sacrifice a remarkable amount. I am deeply grateful for my country, for my freedoms, for my prosperity, for my peaceful life. I owe a debt of gratitude to every soldier who has ever volunteered--or been drafted--to do what I can't do for myself. I am especially grateful for those close to me: my brother and nephew. Thank you to the veterans!!